Las Vegas shooting: What you need to know

Las Vegas shooting: What you need to know

A man has committed suicide after opening fire on music festival-goers at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Hotel on Sunday night.

Authorities have confirmed 59 people are dead, with at least 525 injured, making it the most deadly mass shooting in US history.

The shooter, 64 year-old Stephen Paddock, used at least one automatic weapon to fire indiscriminately upon the crowd of 30,000 from his 32nd-floor hotel room. As police closed in on his location, Mr Paddock reportedly shot himself.

Police found 23 firearms in Mr Paddock’s room, and an additional 19 firearms at his home in Mesquite, Nevada.

The Islamic State took responsibility for the attack, claiming Mr Paddock was one of the terror group’s soldiers. However, the FBI has said there is no evidence to support he had ties to any international terrorist organisations.

Relatives have said they are shocked by the news, telling reporters he did not show any strong political or ideological beliefs.

The tragedy has been met with unity as locals show support by donating money to a verified GoFundMe page, which has already raised over US $2.5 million. Hundreds of others have lined up to donate blood with many waiting for as long as eight hours.

US President Donald Trump offered his condolences to the families of those involved in the shooting. The President thanked and praised the first responders and called for national unity.